Apply for a Research Grant

2026 Grants round is now open until Monday 31st August

BRACE is a research charity dedicated solely to funding research into different forms of dementia. We encourage collaboration between disciplines and experiences to deepen our understanding, and seek to raise public awareness of dementia.

We support medical and scientific research in three main areas:  

• Understanding the brain to identify underlying causes of different dementias.
• Developing accurate and effective means of diagnosing dementias, as early as possible. 
• Finding new methods of prevention and treatment for different dementias, and ultimately a cure. 

Applications will only be considered from researchers based in academic/research institutions where there is clear evidence of existing studies on dementia. These institutions must be within the South West of England or South Wales. 

Our supported institutions: 

• University of Bath
• University of Bristol
• Cardiff University
• Cardiff Metropolitan University
• University of Exeter
• University of Plymouth
• Swansea University
• University of the West of England (UWE)

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Eligibility and Requirements

BRACE will consider applications for PhD Studentships, pilot projects and equipment grants.

PhD studentships grants will cover the cost of tuition fees. BRACE follows the MRC recommendations of a stipend and a fixed sum for consumables and other overheads, which is included in the grant. This typically is around £12,000.

Pilot projects usually last 12-18 months and is circa £70,000, but applicants with pilot proposals that exceed these guidelines are welcome to contact us for advice.

Equipment grants typically do not exceed more than £20,000 unless agreed.

If an application is likely to significantly exceed any of the guideline amounts, please consult the BRACE Office first.  

BRACE is committed to funding high-quality research projects that contribute to the understanding, diagnosing, and treatment of dementias. The charity funds research into all forms of dementia, including Alzheimer’s, Lewy body dementia, frontotemporal dementia, and vascular dementia. We welcome applications from areas related to dementia including:  

• Traumatic Brain Injury
• Mild cognitive impairment (MCI)
• Young-onset dementia.

Dementia-related to other neurological disorders, such as dementia in Parkinson’s and dementia related to Huntington’s disease, are eligible. However, we do not accept applications where the primary research focus is not on dementia aspects of the disease. All researchers must intend to publish the results of their studies.

BRACE funds research into hypothesis-driven quantitative research into treatment, this includes drug treatment, self-management strategies, carer support and music therapy all of which can play a significant role in dementia management.

Applications will only be considered from researchers based in academic/research institutions where there is clear evidence of existing studies on dementia. These institutions must be within the South West of England or South Wales. 

Our supported institutions: 

• University of Bath
• University of Bristol
• Cardiff University
• Cardiff Metropolitan University
• University of Exeter
• University of Plymouth
• Swansea University
• University of the West of England (UWE)

A letter from the institution confirming the availability of facilitates for the proposed research project and verification of financial elements are required for consideration.

BRACE is a member of the Association of Medical Research Charities. BRACE supports the endeavours of the AMRC to achieve and maintain ethical and transparent practices in medical research, including its statement on animal testing, including a commitment to the 3Rs of reduction, replacement and refinement as basic principles of humane animal research 

Any project requiring ethical approval will only be awarded once such authorisation has been granted.